Obituaries

Mary Ellen (Wieck) Barnes, 90

February 23, 2018

Mary Ellen (Wieck) Barnes, 90, died peacefully in her home February 18, 2018 surrounded by her family.

She was born May 27, 1927 in Traer to Fred and Margaret (Petersen) Wieck. She graduated from Traer High School in 1945 and from Iowa State in 1949 in Home Economics. After teaching for a few years and then a road trip to the west coast with a friend, she settled in the Portland, Oregon area where she met her future husband, John (Jack) Barnes. After a one month courtship they married in Traer in 1957 and moved to Athens, Greece for 3 years, where her two children, David and Mary Beth, were born. Following Greece, they spent 5 years in Fairfax, Virginia. Jack died in 1963, after which Mary Ellen and her children moved to her hometown, Traer, where she lived the rest of her life. She worked at Bauch Law Office until retirement.

She was active in her church, United Presbyterian, and many organizations including Iowana, PEO Chapter EC, book club, and knitting group. She helped keep Traer a vibrant community, working with the Salt and Pepper Shakers, Historical Museum, and the Traer Theater.

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Her motto was "Attitude is Everything". She wanted to be remembered for her smile.

Mary Ellen is survived by one brother, Gary (Marie) Wieck of Las Vegas, Nevada, her 2 children, David (Wendy) Barnes of Traer and Mary Beth (Bob) Webb of Charlottesville, VA, 6 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and one brother, Rudy Wieck.

Thank you to her friends, Pastor Brice, and Cedar Valley Hospice. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cedar Valley Hospice, CHAT (Christian Hands Across Traer), or the Traer United Presbyterian Church.